While I personally wouldn't wave around a Confederate flag, it is far from treasonous. It is functionally very similar to flying a state flag, although instead of representing one state, the Stars and Bars represents a group of states.

While I personally wouldn't wave around a Confederate flag, it is far from treasonous. It is functionally very similar to flying a state flag, although instead of representing one state, the Stars and Bars represents a group of states.

The vast majority of the north-south tensions were a direct result of slavery. Remember, however, that the Union didn't start the war to end slavery (and may not have had white popular support for doing so at the time). The Emancipation Proclamation was at least as much of a military tactic as a humanitarian gesture.

What does this mean for the rebel flag? People can wave it and say that it's not about slavery, and might consciously believe what they're saying. The fact is, Confederate history is undeniably intertwined with slavery - the Confederacy cannot be separated from it socially, economically or politically.

While I personally wouldn't wave around a Confederate flag, it is far from treasonous. It is functionally very similar to flying a state flag, although instead of representing one state, the Stars and Bars represents a group of states.